Common Garage Door Problems in Lincoln and How to Fix Them

Your garage door is one of the most used entry points to your home, so when it starts acting up, it can be more than just an inconvenience. Whether it's stuck halfway, making loud noises, or refusing to respond to the remote, most problems have a root cause—and in many cases, a straightforward solution.

If you're a homeowner in Lincoln, NE dealing with garage door issues, here are some of the most common problems and what you can do about them.

1. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

This is one of the most frequent issues. It could be caused by dead remote batteries, blocked sensors, a disengaged opener, or even a power outage.

How to Fix It:

• Replace remote batteries and test the wall switch.
• Check that the opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Make sure the photo-eye sensors are clean, aligned, and not obstructed.
• Re-engage the opener if the emergency release cord was pulled.

2. Loud Noises During Operation

Grinding, banging, or squeaking sounds usually point to friction or loose hardware. It could also indicate worn-out rollers or misaligned tracks.

How to Fix It:

• Lubricate moving parts with a silicone-based garage door lubricant.
• Tighten any loose bolts or screws.
• If noises persist, call a technician to inspect rollers or track alignment.

3. Door Opens Unevenly or Jerks

An uneven door can signal problems with springs, cables, or tracks. If it leans to one side or feels unusually heavy, stop using it immediately.

How to Fix It:
This is one for the pros. Broken springs or cables are dangerous to repair without the right tools and experience. Call a garage door repair expert in Lincoln to fix it safely.

4. Remote or Keypad Not Working

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the door at all, but with the device you're using to control it.

How to Fix It:

• Change the remote or keypad batteries.
• Reprogram the remote if necessary (check your opener’s manual).
• Make sure there’s no interference from nearby devices.

5. Garage Door Freezes or Gets Stuck in Cold Weather

In Lincoln's cold winters, ice and frost can affect garage door movement. Water around the door can freeze and cause it to stick to the ground.

How to Fix It:

• Gently chip away any ice at the base of the door.
• Avoid forcing the door open to prevent damage.
• Use a silicone-based lubricant on the weather stripping to prevent sticking.

When to Call a Professional

Some fixes are simple and safe, but others—especially anything involving springs, cables, or openers—are best left to trained technicians. If your garage door continues to malfunction after trying the above steps, schedule a service appointment.

Our Lincoln, NE team offers fast, affordable repairs for all garage door problems. From noisy operation to major part replacements, we’ve got you covered.

Need help? Contact us today to schedule a garage door inspection or repair.

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